‘Pen’Full Story : Kale Pens…

One of the oldest pen manufactures from Pune. Even my grandfather has memories of he using kale pens (he is 81 today). Visited the shop today, a small, insignificant setup, near Dagdusheth Temple, Pune. When Parker, Lamy, Cardin and other brands are going big, Kale Pens doesnt seem to be doing any marketing activity. But, most punekars would know about Kale Pens.

They have 4 patterns/models of Pens to select. These look like Hero China Pens, plus some camlin pens. But, these were designed much before Hero did. If you notice the price, i am sure, you are going to smile. NEAT value for what you are spending. Though the plastic quality can be a turn down for many (not me)

So after i selected the top model (in the pic above), the shopkeeper assembled the pen, refine filed it and inserted a nib. AND THE PEN WAS READY. Kale Ink is also super blue and smooth. But they dont sell it in a bottle , instead he handed a plastic bag packed with ink, nicely sealed. I carried it in my pocket and it was intact! PS – Ink Bag is for Rs 5!

Here is the ink Bag – Rs 5!

Ink Bag – Fresh Blue. It smells good too!

Look at the rates, and guarantee! This is the board outside the shop

Photo frame in this pic is Mr.Kale who started this business. Also, check the size of the shop. It is very very small

Their factory is in Kasba Peth , Pune. They manufacture and sell more than 200 pens in a month (this was told by the person working here. Couldn’t meet the owner today). They do not sell at any other retail stationery shops. Customer base is students, Teachers from Pune, but more from near by villages. They also a give a guarantee card, which I didn’t get… that makes me enthusiastic to visit the shop once again!

So, A pen and ink bag would cost you 20+5 or 30+5. That’s it! Kale Pens are also known for repairing old ink pens. I saw many fountain pens piled up (for repairing or might be scrapped).

All in all – A ‘Pen’Full Story!

SAD UPDATE : The shop and manufacturing is closed. You may see the shop open, but they dont have any stock.

Hi Soham, Yesterday I told my daughter to visit this shop. She will visit in couple of days. I was using these pen in my school days. Thanks for your pics and blogs. WIll share with my daughter.
Thanks,
Rahul

Hi Soham,
Nice reading about Kale Pens once again. I used their pens when in school and was pleasantly surprised to note that they are in operation at exactly the same place. Brings back some good old memories of using fountain pens.
Will most certainly visit them once again in a couple of days.

I never thought that i will get any information about Kale Pens on internet. Thanks for writing nice blog. I had used Kale Pens my school days. Had some nice memories with it.
Its very sad the shop is closed down.